A tiny West Virginia town is at the center of a growing controversy after its entire police department was abruptly relieved of duty just days after its police chief resigned, sparking public backlash, allegations of government overreach and growing demands for transparency.

 Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council,  the department wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

 We are sincerely grateful for the support, trust, and encouragement shown to us by the Barrackville community throughout our service. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect this town. 

DC POLICE OFFICIALS FACE TERMINATION AFTER FEDERAL PROBE UNCOVERS ALLEGED MANIPULATED CRIME DATA BY DEPARTMENT

The announcement stunned residents and marked the apparent collapse of the small department just months after officials celebrated hiring a new chief to rebuild the agency.

In December 2025, the department announced Zachary Freeburn's appointment as its new full-time chief of police, highlighting his graduation from the West Virginia State Police Academy, his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and his advanced Drug Recognition Expert certification.

 We look forward to continuing to rebuild and strengthen our department to better serve our community, and we are excited to once again have a full-time officer leading our agency,  the department wrote at the time.

CITY MANAGER 'BEGGED' FIRED CINCINNATI POLICE CHIEF FOR MORE OFFICERS ON STREET AS CRIME SKYROCKETED

Former Barrackville Police Chief Zachary Freeburn accepts an award during a West Virginia law enforcement event in 2025. (Barrackville Police Department Facebook)

Less than seven months later, that effort had unraveled.

Last week, the department announced that Freeburn had resigned  effective immediately.  The agency said Sgt. Hunt would serve as officer in charge while assuring residents that police operations would continue.

 Until further notice, Sergeant Hunt will serve as the officer in charge of the Barrackville Police Department to ensure the continue

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